Palestine Chamber Magazine 2018-2019 - Page 27

The Railroad
PA L E S T I N E C H A M B E R.O RG
I
Where history is just part of the journey
n our fast-paced world folks often forget to slow
down and unplug, to take time to savor soothing
moments -- big and small -- and to appreciate life and
loved ones. An adventure aboard the Texas State Railroad
is the antidote to the hustle of the modern world. The TSSR
moves passengers back into another century where wild for-
ests, tranquil rivers and peaceful ranchlands blend harmoniously
with midcentury architecture and vintage transportation. His-
toric steam and diesel locomotives take travelers across the cel-
ebrated rails of the Piney Woods route between the quaint East
Texas towns of Palestine and Rusk. During this 50-mile roundtrip
exploration, the daily grind disappears and time stands motion-
less. This quintessential daytrip provides the perfect combina-
tion of relaxation and fun accented by antiquity, as the region’s
many high points are even more delightful when seen from the
vantage point of a vintage train.
All of Texas State Railroad’s early 20th Century passenger
coaches recently were upgraded with amenities added to meet
the comfort expectation of the new millennial traveler, while
consciously preserving the historic integrity associated with train
travel over 100 years ago. During the four-hour excursion, includ-
ing an hour layover for lunch at one of the handsome depots,
the train travels 25 miles through the scenic Piney Woods and
hardwood creek bottoms. Amidst the backdrop of rolling hills
it passes over 24 bridges, including one over 1,000 feet
long, and nears unusual railroad structures including a vin-
tage locomotive turntable located midway on the route.
Seasonal events continue to punctuate the Texas
State Railroad calendar, like the ever-popular Polar
Express excursion during November and December,
but trains now depart from either Rusk or Palestine
on a year-round schedule. Passengers may choose
to ride in one of five comfortable accommoda-
tion options pulled by either a diesel or steam
locomotive, depending on time of year and day of
travel. Whenever one chooses to ride, one thing
is a given: choosing time spent with family and
friends, savoring beautiful history and nature
while turning off ever-present electronic
devices, avoiding traffic congestion and city
mayhem, and immersing oneself in the slow
pace of historic East Texas for a truly amazing
adventure will certainly be exhilarating.
texasstaterailroad.net
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